Friday, Sept. 1 -- 7 p.m. ET
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
FS1
Central Michigan will try to play spoiler -- in two ways -- Friday when it visits Michigan State in East Lansing.
Beating the Big Ten Spartans on nearly any occasion would generally be considered an upset, but a Chippewa victory Friday would also spoil an MSU opener as the program celebrates Spartan Stadium's 100th year.
Although MSU owns eight victories in the series, Central Michigan has claimed three victories on Spartan turf. Those came in 1991, 1992 and 2009. Head Coach Herb Deromedi's 20-3 CMU win over then No. 18/19 Michigan State (2021) has been called the greatest of all Central Michigan triumphs. Meanwhile, the Chippewas 2009 win was particularly dramatic as Andrew Aguila nailed a 43-yard field goal with three seconds left to give Head Coach Butch Jones' CMU squad a 29-27 victory.
The Spartans are coming off a 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten) season. That was a significant drop after posting an 11-2 mark (7-2 Big Ten) with a bowl win over No.12 Pittsburgh in 2021.
This year's Spartans were tabbed fifth among East Division teams in a preseason media poll. That reflects some concerns on both sides of the ball, but especially on offense. Michigan State's 24.4 ppg scoring production ranked 90th nationally in 2022, and some transfer losses at key positions since then have raised questions.
Here's more on the two teams:
>> Although he was facing competition in spring practice, two-year starter and 2022 team captain Payton Thorne further jumbled the QB picture by transferring to Auburn in early May. In-house answers probably come down to junior Noah Kim and freshman Katin Howser. Both have very limited game experience.
>> Another transfer hit was at wide receiver. Keon Coleman, who led MSU receivers in catches (59), yardage (798) and TDs (7) left for Florida State. Jayden Reed, meanwhile, moved on to the Green Bay Packers. That leaves Tre Mosley as the top returning Spartan wideout. He registered 35 catches for 359 yards and four scores.
>> Jalen Berger, who led MSU runners in 2022 (148 carries, 683 yards, 6 TDs) is coming back. Several transfers add depth to the position.
>> The offensive line has plenty of experience, but it must prove capable of being more productive.
>> Defensively, MSU allowed 27.4 ppg last year (10th of 14 Big Ten). The Spartans were 13th in total defense (416.5 ypg), 12th against the run (178.6 ypg) and 13th in defending the pass (237.9 ypg). They were 14th/last in pass defense efficiency.
>> Injuries to defensive playmakers started early and - to some degree -- continued during 2022. Adding to this, eight defensive players were suspended for the final four contests.
>> Junior Simeon Barrow will anchor a D-line that will include a number of transfers along the front.
>> LB Cal Haladay, a three-year starter, returns after leading MSU defenders with 129 tackles (42 solo). Jacoby Windman recorded 5.5 sacks among his 49 hits.
>> Sophomore safeties Jaden Mangham and Malik Spencer will try to help the secondary improve on last year's stats.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS - PRESEASON PREVIEW
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The Spartans may have more questions than answers -- at least good answers! However, Central Michigan, meanwhile, was a No. 4 pick in the MAC head coaches preseason poll. So, there are some questions there, as well.
Head Coach Jim McElwain brought significant success to the CMU program before last year's dip to 4-8. Win or lose, Friday's matchup against Michigan State will be a glimpse of what 2023 might have to offer.